If love could be measured by acts of care, Pamela De Vera’s would fill a lifetime. From accompanying family members to medical appointments to finding ways to provide for their daily needs, the 37-year-old from Baguio City’s Rock Quarry, has devoted much of her life to looking after the people she loves. This Pride Month, her story shines a light on a different kind of strength, one found not only in embracing one’s identity, but in showing up day after day for family.
Pamela is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. She had a partner for six years in a loving relationship. While she is now single by choice, she remains proud of who she is and the experiences that shaped her.
As Pride Month is celebrated, Pamela hopes people see beyond labels and see stories of love, sacrifice and purpose. LGBTQ+ individuals, like anyone else, are professionals, caregivers, providers, and family members who contribute to the lives of those around them.
For Pamela, life is a balancing act of many roles — she is an only child, a daughter to aging parents, a granddaughter to a 99-year-old grandmother, a niece to a bedridden uncle and an aunt who is a person with disability (PWD), and a breadwinner doing her best to keep the household going.
“Ako lang ang hindi senior sa bahay, (I’m the only one who’s not a senior at home),” she said with a laugh.
Despite the responsibilities, Pamela speaks of her family with warmth and affection. Caring for them has become a natural part of her daily life.
“Sinabi ko nga sa kanila na pinanganak ata ako para alagaan kayo, (I even told them that it seems like I was born to take care of you),” she shared jokingly.
What may sound like a lighthearted remark carries a deeper truth. For years, Pamela has quietly become the person her family relies on most.
Caring for loved ones often comes with financial challenges, especially when medical needs are involved.
Pamela first learned about the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program through friends while exploring available medical assistance for her family.
Years ago, her bedridden uncle required continuous medications and laboratory procedures. With AICS, the family received assistance that helped ease the burden of medical expenses.
“Malaking bagay talaga ang tulong na natanggap namin sa AICS para sa pagpapagamot sa uncle ko noon (The assistance we received from AICS for my uncle’s treatment was really a big help),” Pamela recalled.
She once again sought assistance from AICS, this time for her mother’s osteoporosis treatment. The injections needed twice a year are costly, making every source of support valuable for the family. She expressed her appreciation to the program, recognizing how it bridges the gap when personal finances fall short. She added that AICS helps families focus less on financial worries and more on caring for their loved ones.
Behind Pamela’s determination to seek every available form of support is a deep sense of responsibility as her family’s breadwinner. Formerly a government clerk and currently, an online ESL teacher, still she continuously looks for opportunities that offer greater financial stability while allowing her to remain present for the people who rely on her most.
Meanwhile, there are moments when she reflects on the path her life has taken.
“Minsan, may regret din sa buhay. Parang tinatanong ko sa sarili ko, ‘What happened to me? (Sometimes, there’s also regret in life. It’s like I ask myself, ‘What happened to me?’),” she said.
But those thoughts never hold her back. Instead, she chooses to focus on the life she has built and the people she continues to care for every day
When asked what advice she would give to others facing challenges, Pamela’s answer is simple.
“Keep moving lang. Ganyan ang buhay. (Just keep moving. That’s life).” This is a lesson she lives by.
Even with life’s uncertainties, she continues to move forward with resilience, fulfilling her many roles with grace and determination.
Her story tells us that purpose can be found in the simple yet powerful act of caring for others. It takes an extraordinary amount of bravery to love as fiercely and selflessly as she does. It also shows that pride can be expressed not only through identity, but also through compassion, responsibility, and service.
With her unbreakable spirit, Pamela proves that the most powerful stories are not always under the spotlight, sometimes, they are quietly changing lives inside a home in Baguio City.
With the support of the AICS Program and the unwavering strength she draws from her family, Pamela continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she loves, proving that compassion is one of the greatest acts of service.#DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, MAYROSE U. CARIÑO
